What does it mean to be a Christian?
If faith were physically measurable, how would it become evident daily? Does it depend on how much people pray or how frequently they attend mass? Is Christianity measured on how much people give or how many people they help?
To be called good servants of God, believers must act independently of the Church’s reminders and rules. Most importantly, they must also understand how to be united as one entity. For these, what are some examples of Christian behavior in practice that people should remember?
What Real-Life Christian Behavior Looks Like
In Dr. Christopher Powers’ book about developing a Christian ministry, the author defines what it means to behave as a follower of Christ. It illustrates the meaning of faith-driven Christian behavior beyond praying and preaching, encouraging readers to naturally incorporate Christian-like values in their lives.
Behave as a Church serves as a reminder for Christians to reflect on their behavior and better align themselves with the image of God.
To behave like Jesus is something every believer must embody. They’re repeatedly reminded to act as such at every chance and decision they get. However, what is Christian behavior truly like?
“Let me suggest this mission statement to behave as a church: To magnify Jesus Christ through worship and the Word, to move believers in Jesus Christ towards maturity and ministry, and to make Jesus Christ know to our neighbors and the nations.”
– Behave as a Church
Living Faith: A Daily Walk, Not Just a Sunday Sermon
The best examples of Christian behavior in practice shouldn’t just be evident on Sundays.
Authentic and faith-driven behaviors aren’t only limited to certain days. Instead, they are lifelong practices people must learn to naturally embody in all aspects of their lives.
It isn’t just measured by how strict they follow what’s expected of them. Instead, Christian behavior, at its core, involves a wholehearted transformation of people’s hearts and minds. This leads to actions that naturally convey and demonstrate love, hope, desire to help others, and grace. Here are some prime aspects reflecting a Christ-like behavior:
- Christian behavior is characterized by love, which means people must show genuine compassion and kindness to one another.
- Christians are called to be humble and gentle with one another.
- Real-life Christian behavior is measured in righteousness, reflected in how they deal with society.
- Christians must serve and please God. This means avoiding behaviors that are against His will.
Examples of Christian Behavior in Practice: What to Embody?
A simplified version of Thessalonians 5:12-22 presents ways for Christians to embody a Christ-like behavior. Aside from the ones mentioned above, there are obviously more ways to showcase Christian values in practice. After all, there are hundreds of commandments shaping how faith-based life works.
Live in peace with each other…
Warn those who are idle,
encourage the timid,
help the weak,
be patient with everyone.
Make sure nobody pays back wrong for wrong…
always try to be kind…
Be joyful always;
pray continually;
give thanks in all circumstances…
Radical Forgiveness: Letting Go of Hurt
Forgiving is empowering for individuals. This strengthens healing and empathy, shaping people to be more compassionate to others. Forgiveness must be practiced as God practiced it—by releasing emotional burdens unconditionally and peacefully.
Forgiveness through God’s image embodies grace, mercy, and love. Even when faced with harm and unfairness, God remains merciful. In this light, people should be cautious of what they release and how they let go of those that harmed them.
Selfless Service: Loving Through Action
If God is anything, He is selfless. Christians are also expected to serve others without complaints and conditions. They’re called to serve others, even above themselves, as how God served those even below Him. In everyday practice, selfless service can be reflected through simple acts of kindness that will impact not only others but society. This act can be seen in everyday heroes, such as nurses or teachers who choose to serve others and help improve their lives.
Standing with God Amid Adversity
In a world where temptations are fervent, a great example of Christian behavior in practice is overcoming these tribulations and strengthening faith. Christians are called to stand firm belief in Him despite what comes their way. Courageous faith is a great way to encourage others to believe, becoming a spark that lights up communities. This paves the way for society to grow closer to God, starting from one sincere Christian behavior.
Radical Generosity: Giving Without Asking Back
God gives, but He never asks back. In the same way, Christians are called to practice radical generosity. This means to give whatever they wish to offer, not because they will receive something in return but because it’s what their hearts will. Radical generosity in Christianity goes beyond monetary value. Instead, this involves being generous in time, understanding, and patience with others.
Becoming a Peacemaker in a Divided World
Being a peacemaker goes hand-in-hand with standing firm in one’s faith. When people have confidence in their faith, showing kindness, patience, and love to everyone will be easy. This means peace becomes something attainable and accessible. There will still be differences, but people understand how it’s okay to disagree and learn to prioritize peace over winning.
Small Steps, Big Impact: Living Out Christian Behavior Daily
It’s essential for Christians to not depend on grand gestures but rather live out daily examples of Christian behavior. This way, things become habits and routines and not spikes of goodwill. When Christians demonstrate Christ-like behaviors daily, they better align their thoughts and actions with God’s words and image. They learn to demonstrate His love and grace, which will influence and encourage others to act as such.
Ready to understand what it means to behave like Christ? Dr. Christopher Powers’ Behave as a Church provides a more concrete way to achieve this. Grab a copy of this book today!
